. >>> at 5:30, we are inching closer to the so-called fiscal cliff. we spoke to congressional staffers today, why they believe politicians will allow the country to go over the cliff before making a deal. >>> officials in newtown, connecticut, plan to use the flowers, letters and other mementos sent by the public as part of the memorial. they will stay up until after new year's as residents and visitors pay their respects to the shooting victims at sandy hook elementary school. residents yesterday took turns monitoring candles that had been lit on christmas eve, one candle for each of the vils. >>> this los angeles today, gun owners could swap weapons for groceries. gun owners were asked to come with unloaded weapons in the trunks of their vehicles in exchange for a $100 gift certificate for groceries. they got a $200 gift certificate if they turned in a so-called assault weapon of the buy-back program happens in the spring but was moved up this year because of the school shooting in connecticut. >> a newspaper that covers two counties north of new yo